Coastie

Don't think he can sign until January, so it's a pre-contract, but surely a strong indication of intent. I daresay there would be heavy contractual sanctions for reneging.

Almost certain to be picked for the World Cup and very likely to come on in every game (hopefully more than three). If he does will qualify straightaway for a UK work visa. Only 18 but such a good player. Aussies have never been so excited about a youngster - even Harry Kewell was unknown before he suddenly emerged at Leeds after going there at 15. Many of us have been watching GK since he was about 14 and predicting he was destined for the top. Monstrous talent.

Both happy and sad about this. Sad to see him leave the Mariners so quickly but very happy to see him go to Newcastle. He's one hell of a player. Look after him...

(9) Sky Sports News on Twitter: "BREAKING ?: Newcastle have agreed a deal in principle with Aussie A league club Central Coast Mariners to sign forward Garang Kuol. https://t.co/BB6gEEole4" / Twitter

Another news report suggesting he's actually in Newcastle to sign... Garang Kuol in the UK to seal Newcastle United move! | CODE Sports

His mum is Australian. But yeah, we'll take anyone.

The word on the Central Coast is that Garang Kuol is on a plane to England, as I write this, to sign for the Toon. I wonder if he can stream Goal! The Movie from his business class seat?

Had a terrific 20 minutes. Great run down the right which set up a great chance and ended with a penalty. Made a couple of other great runs. Every time he got the ball the crowd rose to their feet. You'd say he's certainly going to the world cup as a game breaker on that performance.

Gone weirdly quiet. A week ago it was reported that Newcastle had triggered his buy out clause and agreed personal terms. Nothing since then and no official word from either club. Are they allowed to make announcements like that outside of the windows? I wonder if the deal was half done, but then he got picked in the Oz NT and his agent decided to cool it all down in the hope he'd go to the World Cup and start a bidding frenzy?

I wore my Toon shirt to training all the time, but I guess you'd only know that if you played for Avoca. Any news on this transfer? Apparently his brother/agent is in a bit of trouble. Hope that's not complicating matters.

Yeah, it's pretty fucking good here. Mind you, I love England, not least for the football culture. Been there many times. Our own football culture is complex - but football struggles for media airtime against other codes. We have produced a few decent players though and I have no hesitation in saying Garang Kuol will be the biggest thing since Harry Kewell. Gonna be an awesome player.

Assault with a deadly weapon... and the bastard magistrate gave him seven years in Botany Bay!

Maybe you can...

Cheers, although it looks like you can't paste URLs here?

Kuol take centre stage for the A-Leagues All-Stars - YouTube

Hey guys, just came on to tell you you've scored a gem if this transfer really happens. My grandfather was a Geordie so I've always had a soft spot for NUFC. And I'm chuffed to bits that GK is coming to the Toon. He's been playing for my local club in Oz - Central Coast Mariners - and is an absolute star. Just had his first call up for the NT also, at the age of 17 (although turned 18 today). He'll go to the World Cup, get everyone talking, go out on loan for a little while but will play for the Toon really soon. Absolutely amazing player. Recently tore Barcelona a new one in a friendly - which is why they were NUFC's main rivals in the bidding war. Sad to see him leave the Mariners but so excited to see how he goes in the big league.